Mikal Bridges' Performance Nutrition Coach Reveals the 'Iron Man' Diet That's Helped Him Never Miss an NBA Game
The New York Knicks broke their 53-year NBA championship drought on Saturday, and Mikal Bridges played a pivotal role in helping deliver the title. But perhaps even more impressive than his impact on the court is his ability to stay healthy and suit up night after night. Known as the NBA's "Iron Man," he hasn't missed a single professional game since being drafted. Of course, training hard is a big part of the equation, but proper nutrition plays just as big of a role.
"One thing people don't realize is that durability starts long before game time," says John Shackleton, M.S., C.S.C.S., founder of Shack Fit, who has worked with Bridges since his Villanova days and currently oversees his performance nutrition. "Mikal has never missed an NBA game, and while genetics and training certainly play a role, nutrition has been a huge part of that consistency."
Their nutritional approach is built around reducing inflammation, supporting recovery, and making sure his body has the nutrients it needs to perform night after night through an 82-game season. Shackleton shared a closer look at exactly how Bridges fuels himself for game day to help him stay healthy and ready for whatever comes his way.
Mikal Bridges' Game Day Nutrition
When it comes to Bridges' game day nutrition, the focus is on whole foods and ingredients that support recovery and manage inflammation. Meals are prepared using avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil, while nonstick cookware is avoided in favor of stainless steel or cast-iron pans. His meals are built around lean protein sources, quality carbohydrates, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables. Over the past four years, Bridges' private chef, Chef Dilce of Simply Fit Nutrition, has worked closely with the team to consistently bring this approach to life in the kitchen.
"The NBA season is a marathon. Nutrition isn't just about fueling games, it's about helping the body recover from the previous one," Shackleton says. "Durability is built from the inside out. You can do everything right in the weight room, but if nutrition isn't supporting recovery, you're leaving performance on the table."
Night Before
- Bison bowl with sweet potatoes or rice
- Broccoli
- Fried egg
Breakfast
- Three hard-boiled eggs with a light dash of Old Bay
Brunch
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Sautéed spinach
- Breakfast potatoes
- Protein waffles
Pre-Game Meal
"When something works at the highest level, you don't keep changing it," Shackleton says. "Mikal's pre-game meal has been largely the same for years because it consistently delivers what he needs."
- Chicken breast
- White jasmine rice
- Brussels sprouts
Daily Smoothie
Bridges' daily smoothie is an easy way to add nutrient density, healthy fats, minerals, and extra protein to his diet.
- Strawberries
- Banana
- Avocado
- Coconut milk or cream
- Chia seeds
- Sea moss
- Beef protein powder
Post-Game Meal
"The goal after games is to immediately begin replenishing glycogen stores and supporting muscle recovery," Shackleton says.
- Salmon
- Roasted potatoes or jasmine rice
- Broccolini
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Nutrition section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 3:36 PM.